The miraculous event of Peter walking on water towards Jesus is a powerful and iconic story in Christian tradition. However, surprisingly, this event is absent from the Gospel of Mark. While many are familiar with this narrative, often depicted in art and referenced in sermons, its omission in Mark raises a significant question for biblical scholars and those interested in the Gospels. Why does Mark, one of the four canonical Gospels, not include this remarkable account?
To understand this absence, it’s crucial to consider the origins and purpose of Mark’s Gospel. Ancient sources, such as Papias of Hierapolis in the early 2nd century and Clement of Alexandria around the turn of the 3rd century, point to the Apostle Peter as the primary source behind Mark’s writing. These early church fathers, relying on first-generation Christian elders and prominent earlier sources, respectively, stated that Mark meticulously recorded Peter’s preaching. This suggests that the Gospel of Mark is essentially Peter’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry, as told through Mark’s writing.
If Mark’s Gospel is indeed rooted in Peter’s preaching, then the narrative choices within it become particularly insightful into Peter’s perspective and priorities. Peter, as a storyteller, appears to have been masterful, not necessarily in polished grammar – as Mark’s Greek is often considered less refined – but in vivid and impactful storytelling. It’s proposed that Peter, like many compelling narrators, employed self-deprecation as a rhetorical tool. Looking at Mark’s Gospel, we observe a greater emphasis on Peter’s failings and weaknesses. For instance, Mark provides a more detailed and stark account of Peter’s denial of Jesus compared to other Gospels.
Conversely, Mark’s Gospel omits several events that highlight Peter’s prominence and achievements. Notable exclusions include Jesus bestowing upon Peter “the keys of the kingdom” (Matthew 16:19), the account of Jesus’ initial post-resurrection appearance to Peter (mentioned in other sources like 1 Corinthians 15:5 and Luke 24:34), and, significantly, the story of Peter walking on water itself, which is found in Matthew 14:22-33 and John 6:16-21.
The deliberate omission of Peter walking on water in Mark, therefore, can be interpreted as a reflection of Peter’s humility. Rather than boasting about his own moments of faith and miraculous experiences, Peter, through Mark’s Gospel, chose to emphasize his role as a flawed servant in contrast to the unparalleled greatness of his Master, Jesus Christ. This narrative choice underscores a central message of the Gospel: the focus is not on the disciples’ achievements but on the power and divinity of Jesus. Peter’s desire was to portray Jesus’ strength and magnificence, even if it meant downplaying his own moments of extraordinary faith, such as when he briefly walked on water.
